>> Sunday, January 31, 2010

These photos show the newest books that I have been making over the past few weeks. Some are hard-bound, some have soft covers, and others are made with leather covers. All of these mini books are about 2.5" x 3.5" in size.

The thin books on the left side of the photo above are made entirely from paper (no glue or thread necessary) and the interior pages unfold like an accordion. The red book in the lower right of the photo has a suede cover and the name of the binding style is Italian Long Stitch. All of the other books are Coptic style. These are two of my favorite binding techniques because the stitching is expose and serves as a decorative, as well as structural, element.

Tony and I bought some clementines right before New Years Eve. Now that the fruit is long gone, the wooden crate they came in is perfect for toting my books and supplies to and from my workspace.

>> Saturday, January 30, 2010

The past year has been an eventful one. The process of planning a wedding was certainly not lacking in creativity, but it also included a fair amount of stress. I designed save-the-date cards, invitations, menus, programs, and announcements. The invitations were even hand bound into mini books — no small task, for sure. And I letterpress printed and hand bound our guest book as well. After returning from the wedding and honeymoon, I took a few months to relax and rebound, and as a result my art making slowed.

But 2010 has started off right. I am off to a fresh start, and I have some cheerful new materials to incorporate into my work. The photo above shows some decorative papers that I selected on a trip to Paper Source in Washington DC a few months ago. And the bookbinders thread below came from Oblation Papers & Press, a delightful store that Tony and I visited on our honeymoon in Portland, Oregon.

Throughout the past few weeks, I've already put some of these papers and threads to good use. I have several new books that I'm looking forward to showcasing in the upcoming days, and many more books in the works. Please stay tuned for new posts, as well as the upcoming launch of my Etsy store.

>> Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Colors. If one inspires you, I'd like to know. If it's a pattern or texture or even the inkling of an idea, that's fine too.

I've worked on custom wedding guest books, designed my own handbound wedding invitation booklets, and created personalized photo albums for a world traveler.

Whether I'm creating the blank book for you to fill with favorite family recipes, or turning your treasured postcards into a keepsake, I've found that highly personalized books have a permanence and value not easily found in store-bought items.

Start by e-mailing me: linenlaidfelt [at] gmail [dot] com. Or strike up an Etsy conversation. Don't be afraid to make a request. Whether it's something as simple as changing the color of an item in my shop or sending me on the hunt for specialty papers, I'd like to work with you.

I often write and post photos detailing works in progress at my blog. Browse the site to see more examples. I might even detail your custom order -- unless you prefer it stay under wraps (recommended for gifts).

Custom orders could take a month or more for the most involved requests. Of course, if time is on your side, advance notice is appreciated. And even if it isn't, I'm willing to work on rush orders.

I'll gladly stay in touch throughout the creative process with photos and discussion. The final project, when it reaches your hands, should delight you in quality, not surprise you in concept.

I am also a member of the Bookbinding Etsy Street Team.To learn more about BEST, visit their blog, become a fan on facebook, view their pictures on Flickr, or shop on Etsy. And you can read an interview with me from the BEST blog right here.

Katie Gonzalez

I'm a cardigan-wearing bookbinder living and working in Nashville, Tennessee with my husband and my dog. I studied the art of bookmaking in Cortona, Italy during the summer of 2006. My work channels traditional techniques into bright, contemporary books that emphasize textures, colors, and patterns. Archival materials make these books — whether journals, photo albums, guest books, or sculptural expressions — into long-lasting works of art. I want to share my works in progress and the photography, sewing, printmaking, and other arts that inspire me.